After releasing a couple of images a few days ago, Hyundai has now fully revealed the 4th generation of its flagship SUV, the Santa Fe.
As we saw last week, the exterior has twin LED headlamp set up à la Kona, while the Cascading Grille gives it a family appearance. The taillamps wrap-around rather deep, very similar to the latest Hyundais, adding to the family appearance.
The exterior dimensions make the new Santa Fe appear even more prominent. With a length of 4,770 mm and a width of 1,890 mm and a longer wheelbase of 2,765 mm, the Santa Fe has an even stronger stance on the road.
As for the interiors, Hyundai said that the larger rear quarter glass (up by 41%) has improved the rear visibility. The front passenger seats have electrically extendable seat cushions offering 10 different positions.
In the second row, legroom is up by 38 mm and the seat is 18 mm higher. The new one-touch walk into the third row eases passenger access to third row seats. Headroom in the third row has been improved by 22 mm. Luggage capacity is up by 40 litres to 625 litres.
Connectivity features include an optional 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that integrates navigation, media, and supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto as well as Live Services – a free 7-year subscription offering real-time weather information, traffic and speed cameras (where legally allowed) plus live fuel prices and parking availability and online searches for points of interest. The navigation system also features 3D maps and Hyundai’s Lifetime Mapcare with free annual map and software updates.
Those who don’t want to go for that optional 8-inch, there is a 7-inch touchscreen to connect their smartphones via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It features voice recognition, rear camera view with dynamic guidelines and trailer view.
Other features include 7-inch central information screen (MID) in the instrument cluster, a full head-up display (HUD) which is claimed to have a class-leading luminance of more than 10,000 candela per square metre, wireless inductive charging and more.
Safety
Safety kit includes the latest Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driving assistance features: Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, Safety Exit Assit and Speed Limit Info Function.
As for the passive safety, Hyundai said that the new Santa Fe features more high-strength steel than any other Hyundai vehicle with 57% – 15% more than the previous model. There are a total of 6 airbags (two front airbags, two side airbags and two curtain airbags from first to second row protecting both driver and passengers).
Powertrains
The standard 2.0 diesel engine has two power outputs: 150 PS (110 kW) and 182 PS (134 kW) and 397 Nm (293 lb-ft) of torque. The engine can be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission (MT) available both with front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive or the newly developed 8-speed automated transmission (AT) with four-wheel drive.
The 2.2-litre CRDi comes with 197 PS (144 kW), 436 Nm (322 lb-ft) of torque and is available with the 6-speed MT or the 8-speed AT and a choice of front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
Hyundai said that all diesel engines have an improved fuel efficiency by enhancing combustion and minimizing drivetrain friction losses.
The Theta II 2.4-litre petrol engine delivers 185 PS (136 kW), 241 Nm (178 lb-ft) of torque and is available with 6AT and four-wheel drive.
Hyundai also said that the tuned engine line-up ensures softer sound and more linear engine noise with a revised piston design reducing cold noise by 4 dB.
Variable torque control with HTRAC
The in-house developed HTRAC is a four-wheel drive technology. The name is a combination of the H from Hyundai and the first part of the word ‘traction’.
In combination with the drive modes, HTRAC improves acceleration, stability and fuel efficiency, said Hyundai.
The system increases traction on snow, gravel, and on regular road surfaces while enhancing cornering performance. The ratio of torque distribution is changed with the drive modes and displayed in the cluster. In sport mode, HTRAC delivers improved acceleration with up to 50% torque distributed to the rear wheels. In comfort mode, it offers improved stability with up to 35% torque distributed to the rear wheels. In eco mode, HTRAC provides improved fuel efficiency by sending power to the front wheels only. In slippery conditions, the system automatically distributes power to all four wheels automatically.
Sales
Hyundai said that in Europe, more than 400,000 units of Santa Fe have been sold over the past 17 years.
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